“Republic Services, a multi-billion-dollar waste management company, announced yesterday that it is withdrawing all of its permit applications that would have allowed for the disposal of millions of tons of coal ash at its Broadhurst Environmental Landfill,” said Rep. Jones. “Republic’s decision is tremendous victory for the community and the people of Southeast Georgia and perfectly demonstrates how important it is for citizens to weigh in on major decisions at both the local and state level. Now, coal ash storage will not impact the water that Southeast Georgians use to drink, fish, swim and play. This is an enormous win!”

During the 2017 legislative session, Rep. Jones authored and testified on behalf of House Bill 387 and House Bill 388, two coal ash-related measures that would establish statewide standards for coal ash storage and coal ash storage pond closures.

“While we celebrate this victory, we must remain vigilant,” said Rep. Jones. “There are other areas in Georgia where coal ash permit applications are either pending or anticipated in order to store massive amounts of coal ash in licensed Municipal Solid Waste facilities. Georgia’s citizens and legislators must demand that the Georgia General Assembly pass tough but fair environmental laws to protect all Georgians and our environment.”

Coal ash, the by-product of coal fired power generating plants, contains a myriad of heavy metals, including lead, mercury, nickel, tin, cadmium, antimony, boron and arsenic, as well as radio isotopes of thorium and strontium that can harm the environment.

“I am not opposed to coal ash storage, but I believe there should be statewide criteria in place to give citizens adequate notice before a decision is made to start accepting coal ash at a landfill in their community. Georgia must mandate how coal ash is stored, as coal ash will be around for hundreds of years,” added Rep. Jones.

Representative Jeff Jones represents the citizens of District 167, which includes portions of Glynn, Long and McIntosh counties. He was first elected into the House of Representatives in 2014, and currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the Motor Vehicles Committee. He also serves on the Insurance, Interstate Cooperation and Science & Technology committees.